The Gift that Heals

Matthew 6:9-15

Perhaps forgiveness is the word that best ties together both mercy and grace. To quote a classic song lyric, “He paid a debt He did not owe, I owed a debt I could not pay. I needed someone to wash my sins away.” Forgiveness is God’s great gift to us. Jesus makes it quite clear that it is a gift He fully expects us to give to others. And it’s a gift that may help the giver as much or more than the recipient.


Questions for further thought:
1. What do you think Jesus meant in verses 14 and 15 of today’s passage? 

2. Have you been the recipient of forgiveness from another person? How did that feel? Can you recall a time when you forgave another? Again, how did that feel?


Challenge: Is there someone, living or dead, that you need to forgive? Or are you in need of forgiveness? Write a letter, make a call or visit and give, or ask for, that forgiveness. If the person is no longer living, write that letter anyway. You’ll reap the benefit.